Howa 350 Legend Review

Howa 1500 in 350 Legend: A Comprehensive Review

The Howa 1500, a renowned bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy and reliability, has recently made waves with its chambering in the increasingly popular 350 Legend cartridge. This review dives deep into the performance, features, and overall value proposition of the Howa 1500 in 350 Legend, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Performance: Accuracy and Reliability

The Howa 1500's reputation for accuracy precedes it. The 350 Legend chambering, with its relatively mild recoil, further enhances this inherent precision. Many users report sub-MOA accuracy with factory ammunition, easily achieving consistent groups at 100 yards. This level of accuracy makes it suitable for various applications, from hunting to target shooting.

Factors Contributing to Accuracy:

• Howa's Barrel Manufacturing: Howa utilizes high-quality barrel steel and precision machining techniques, contributing significantly to accuracy.
• Action Smoothness: The smooth bolt action ensures consistent, reliable feeding and cycling, crucial for accuracy.
• The 350 Legend Cartridge: The cartridge itself contributes to the rifle's inherent accuracy with its predictable ballistics.

The reliability of the Howa 1500 is legendary. Its robust design and simple operation minimize the risk of malfunctions, a critical factor for any firearm. Expect consistent performance, even under challenging conditions.

Features: A Closer Look

The Howa 1500 in 350 Legend comes with a variety of features that make it a compelling choice for both new and experienced shooters:

• Hogue Overmolded Stock: This stock provides a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended shooting sessions. The overmolded material is durable and weather-resistant.
• Adjustable Trigger: While not an adjustable trigger in the truest sense, the factory trigger provides a crisp, clean break with a relatively light pull.
• DBM (detachable box magazine): Allows for quick and easy magazine changes, a practical feature for hunting and competition shooting.
• Three-Position Safety: The simple and intuitive three-position safety offers added security.

Applications: Versatility of the 350 Legend

The 350 Legend cartridge, paired with the Howa 1500's accuracy, makes it versatile for various applications:

• Hunting: Ideal for hunting deer-sized game within practical ranges. The manageable recoil makes it comfortable for even less experienced shooters.
• Target Shooting: Its accuracy makes it suitable for target practice, improving marksmanship skills.
• Home Defense (consider local laws): While not a primary choice for this role compared to shotguns, it offers the capability in a compact and controllable package. (Always check and comply with local laws regarding firearm usage.)

Value Proposition: A worthwhile investment?

Considering its accuracy, reliability, and feature set, the Howa 1500 in 350 Legend offers excellent value. It's a high-quality rifle that's priced competitively within its class. While more expensive than some entry-level rifles, the improved accuracy and reliability justify the investment for those prioritizing performance.

Conclusion: A solid contender

The Howa 1500 in 350 Legend is a strong contender in its class. Its blend of accuracy, reliability, comfortable features, and versatility make it a suitable choice for hunters, target shooters, and anyone seeking a dependable and precise bolt-action rifle in the popular 350 Legend caliber. Consider the Howa 1500 if you're looking for a high-performance rifle at a competitive price point.